News

The Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) will launch the Year of the Horse commemorative coins in January 2014 and will accept subscription for the coins starting from December 4 (Wednesday), 2013. To ensure the orderly conduct of the subscription process, AMCM will implement a quota system. From 7.30 am onwards on December 4 (Wednesday) at its office building (Calçada do Gaio, nº 24 e 26), AMCM will commence the distribution of fixed number of subscription passes to queuing subscribers who are holders of either permanent or non-permanent Macao resident identity card and each of them will be distributed only one pass while stock lasts. The pass-bearing subscribers should bring along their Macao resident identity card and come to AMCM to complete the subscription process in accordance with the date indicated on the passes. The maximum number of gold proof coins, 5 oz silver proof coins and the 1 oz silver proof coins that each subscriber can order is 2 pieces, 1 piece and 1 piece respectively and the commemorative coins will be allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis. On the other hand, the said commemorative coins will not be marketed by banks in Macao. For further details relating to the coins' selling price or subscription procedures, please refer to AMCM's webpage (www.amcm.gov.mo) or telephone 28565071.
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In view of the renewed reminder by the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand for Chinese citizens to remain vigilant of security risks in Bangkok, Thailand, the Tourism Crisis Management Office (GGCT) reminds Macau residents in Bangkok and those who intend to visit Bangkok to remain vigilant, be aware of local security developments, carefully plan travel itineraries, elevate personal safety precautions and avoid getting close to the vicinities of demonstration areas. Following is the full translated text: Recently, the rallies in Thailand are spreading. Anti-government protesters are occupying a number of government departments and judiciary entities, also trying to breach barricades outside the police stations. TV stations and telecommunication providers have been invaded, causing electricity and telecommunications to be interfered. Cases of violence have occurred in Ramkamhaeng University on Novermber 30 and caused casualties. Anti-government protesters announced the organization of another larger scale demonstration on December 1. The Government authority in Thailand had strengthened local security in major areas. In view of the current situation, the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand reminds Chinese citizens in Bangkok and those who intend to visit Bangkok again to remain vigilant and aware of local security advice, plan travel itineraries carefully, avoid getting close to the vicinity of demonstration areas, try not to stay out during the night and take effective precautions to ensure personal safety. Red or yellow attire should be avoided, so as not to attract unnecessary problems. If in danger, please contact the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand, Tel: 00 66 854 833 327 (call in Thailand: 0854833327)." As per information collected from the Macao tourism industry, there are 4 Macao tour groups totaling around 40 pax currently traveling in Thailand. 6 Macao tour groups with an approximate total of 74 pax will depart to Thailand in the coming week. To date, GGCT has received 23 telephone inquiries but no requests for assistance. GGCT will continuously monitor the local situation. If necessary, Macao residents can call the 24-hour tourism hotline (853) 2833 3000 or the Embassy of P.R.C. in Thailand for assistance.
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(Macao—1 December 2013) In accordance to the nomination of the Decoration Awards Committee, the Macao Government announced the recipients of Decorations, Medal and Certificates of Merit to 40 individuals and entities in recognition of their outstanding achievements, contributions and distinguished services rendered to the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). Decorations of Honour, including the Decoration of Honour - Grand Lotus, the Decoration of Honour - Golden Lotus and the Decoration of Honour - Silver Lotus, are awarded to individuals or entities that have made outstanding contributions to the image and reputation of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Decoration of Honour – Grand Lotus
Mr Lau Cheok Va Decoration of Honour - Golden Lotus
Ms Ho Lai Cheng Decoration of Honour – Silver Lotus
Ms Lei Sio Iok
Mr Jia Rui Seven types of Medals of Merit are awarded for: 1. Professions; 2. Industry and commerce; 3. Tourism; 4. Education; 5. Culture; 6. Philanthropy; and 7. Sport. Each of these categories of decorations is awarded to individuals or entities that have make major or excellent contributions in their respective fields.
The recipients are: Medal of Merit – Professions
Mr Raimundo Arrais do Rosário
Mr Leong Keng Seng
Mr Lui Va Long Medal of Merit - Industry and Commerce
Mr Cheong Lok Tin
Mr Lei Chi Fong
Mr Si Tou Tek Lam Medal of Merit – Tourism
Macau Grand Prix Committee Mr António José Neves da Conceição Coelho Medal of Merit – Education
Mr Chan Chi Kwan
Ms Yip Wai Ming Evelyn
Mr Vong Kuoc Ieng
Ms Choi Sok I Medal of Merit – Culture Mr Dai Dingcheng
Yu Un Chinese Calligraphers and Painters Association of Macao
Portuguese Institute of the Orient
Medal of Merit – Philanthropy Ms Ung Pui Kun Medal of Merit - Sport Mr Lau Hong Meng
Mr Mak Chi Kun
Mr Choi Tat Meng Medals for Distinguished Services are awarded to public entities, organisations or their staff for outstanding performance of their duties or community service.
The recipients are: Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Dedication Department of Gardens and Green Areas of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau
Ms Cheang Mui Leng
Mr Lam Wai Hou
Ms Wong I Lin Medal for Distinguished Service - Medal for Community Service Ms Maria Amélia da Conceição António Saldanha
Ms Lou Kan Sam
Mr Liang Baijin
Mr Sam Weng Kan Certificates of Merit including the Honorific Title - Prestige and the Honorific Title – Merit, commend Macao SAR residents or other people who have made major contribution to the reputation, development or social progress of the Macao SAR. The recipients are: Honorific Title – Merit
Mr Che Chon Seng
Mr Wong Ka Fai
Ms Tam Chih Wei
Mr Iao Chon In
Mr Chong Ka Seng
Mr Kuok Kin Hang
Ms Feng Xiao
Ms Liu Qing
Mr Cai Aolong The decorations, medals and certificates of merit awards ceremony will be held in the mid of December 2013.
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For the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June, Consumer Council conducted its specific price surveys on personal hygiene products, household cleansing products, and shampoo & shower gels on 28th November. Results of the mentioned 3 surveys have been uploaded to the Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo) and are available in the Council's 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. For inquiry, please call the Council's hotline: 8988 9315.
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A carnival and an exhibition featuring the services of 'Consumer Arbitration Centre' will be held by Consumer Council this Saturday (30th November) from 3PM to 5PM at Iao Hon Market. Citizens are welcome to participate in the event. Consumer Council continues to hold its carnivals and 'Consumer Arbitration Centre' exhibitions on Saturdays in November. This week, the Council will have another carnival held at Iao Hon Market from 3PM to 5PM. On-site quiz games, booth games and information about 'Consumer Arbitration Centre' will be exhibited during the event. For inquiry, please call 8988-9315.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that total merchandise export for October 2013 amounted to MOP700 million, up by 10% year-on-year; value of re-exports (MOP533 million) and domestic exports (MOP167 million) rose by 13% and 1% respectively. Total merchandise import reached MOP7.15 billion, up by 23% year-on-year. Merchandise trade deficit amounted to MOP6.45 billion for October 2013. In the first ten months of 2013, total value of merchandise export increased by 9% year-on-year to MOP7.43 billion, of which value of re-exports (MOP5.76 billion) increased by 18%, but that of domestic exports (MOP1.67 billion) decreased by 13%. Total value of merchandise import grew by 13% to MOP65.70 billion. Merchandise trade deficit widened to MOP58.27 billion for the first ten months of 2013. Analysed by destination, merchandise export to Hong Kong (MOP3.92 billion) and Mainland China (MOP1.35 billion) in the first ten months of 2013 increased by 14% and 21% respectively year-on-year, while export to the USA (MOP302 million) and the EU (MOP230 million) decreased by 28% and 12% respectively. In addition, exports of Non-textiles (MOP6.71 billion) expanded by 14% year-on-year, of which exports of Electronic components (MOP847 million) and Diamond & diamond jewellery (MOP497 million) surged by 77% and 164% respectively. Exports of Textiles & garments (MOP717 million) decreased by 20%, of which exports of Knitted or crocheted garments (MOP244 million) declined by 28%. By country of origin, merchandise import from Mainland China (MOP21.43 billion) and the EU (MOP15.27 billion) increased by 14% and 12% respectively year-on-year in the first ten months of 2013. Imports of Consumer goods rose by 19% to MOP41.96 billion, with imports of Gold jewellery (MOP7.71 billion), Watches (MOP5.03 billion) and Beauty, cosmetic & skin-care products (MOP2.21 billion) increasing by 27%, 22% and 74% respectively. Imports of Construction materials (MOP2.23 billion) grew by 45%. External merchandise trade reached MOP73.13 billion in the first ten months of 2013, up by 13% compared with MOP64.71 billion a year earlier.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that a total of 1,678 restaurants & similar establishments (1,626) as well as cooked-food stalls in markets (52) were operating in 2012, down by 36 year-on-year owing to a notable decrease in drinking places. Despite a decrease in number of establishments, total number of persons engaged increased by 4% year-on-year to 21,999. Receipts and Expenditure of the industry amounted to MOP 6.99 billion and MOP 6.31 billion, up by 15% and 11% respectively year-on-year. Gross Value Added that measures the sectoral contribution to the economy went up by 19% to MOP 2.80 billion. Gross Fixed Capital Formation dropped by 36% year-on-year to MOP 191 million on account of a significant decrease of 49% in that of restaurants. There were 1,626 restaurants & similar establishments operating in 2012. Number of persons engaged increased by 4% year-on-year to 21,900. Receipts of restaurants & similar establishments reached MOP 6.97 billion, up by 15% year-on-year. Analysed by type of industry, eating places (1,312) accounted for 81% of the total, and their Receipts soared by 23% year-on-year to MOP 4.21 billion; Receipts of restaurants amounted to MOP 2.46 billion, an increase of 8%. Expenditure of restaurants & similar establishments amounted to MOP 6.30 billion, up by 11% year-on-year. Major expenditure items included Purchase of Goods (MOP 2.60 billion) and Compensation of Employees (MOP 2.12 billion), both up by 11% year-on-year; Operating Expenses totalled MOP 1.58 billion, an increase of 10%. Analysed by type of industry, Expenditure of eating places reached MOP 3.79 billion (60% of total), and that of restaurants amounted to MOP 2.24 billion. Gross Value Added of restaurants & similar establishments rose by 19% year-on-year to MOP 2.80 billion; Gross Fixed Capital Formation decreased significantly by 36% to MOP 191 million. A total of 52 cooked-food stalls were operating in markets in 2012, down by 2 year-on-year. Number of persons engaged totalled 99. Receipts of cook-food stalls amounted to MOP 20 million, up marginally by 0.4%. Expenditure (MOP 11 million) and Gross Value Added (MOP 9 million) dropped by 8% and 2% respectively year-on-year. Coverage of the Restaurants & Similar Establishments Survey includes licensed restaurants, eating & drinking places and cooked-food stalls in municipal markets in 2012, excluding hotel-operated restaurants and similar facilities, as well as street hawkers.
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Information from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC) indicated that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the third quarter of 2013 expanded by 10.5% year-on-year in real terms. Economic growth in the third quarter was mainly led by increase in exports of services, of which exports of gaming services grew by 13.3% and exports of other tourism services went up by 8.1%. The implicit deflator of GDP that measures changes in prices increased by 7.5% year-on-year. In the first three quarters of 2013, GDP grew by 10.5% year-on-year in real terms. Total employment and working income sustained growth, and the unemployment rate remained low at 1.9%, driving private consumption expenditure up by 5.3% year-on-year. Household final consumption expenditure in the domestic market increased by 4.6% and consumption expenditure abroad went up by 1.2%. Government final consumption expenditure increased by 3.4% year-on-year, of which compensation of employees and net purchases of goods and services grew by 1.0% and 6.3% respectively. As the gauge of investment, gross fixed capital formation held stable as the third quarter of 2012. Private investment increased by 15.1%, attributable to a 23.4% increase in construction investment; however, equipment investment shrank by 12.7%. Government investment declined significantly by 51.4%, owing to a notable decrease of 57.8% in public construction after the completion of construction of the Hengqin Campus of the University of Macau in the first half year of 2013; on the contrary, equipment investment went up by 67.8%. Growth in merchandise exports slowed down to 6.8% year-on-year; meanwhile, merchandise imports expanded further by 16.2% on account of the increase in visitor spending, private consumption expenditure and private construction investment. In respect of trade in services, the tourism and gaming sector showed satisfactory performance, causing exports of services to increase by 11.9% year-on-year, of which exports of gaming services rose by 13.3% and exports of other tourism services grew by 8.1%. On the other hand, imports of services decreased by 0.6% year-on-year, due to a significant decline in Government expenditure abroad after the completion of construction of the Hengqin Campus of the University of Macau.
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The Coordinated Portfolio Investment Survey (CPIS), jointly conducted by the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) and the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC), is aimed at collecting information on Macao residents' investment in securities issued by unrelated non-residents, in terms of market value and geographical distribution. Starting in 2013, in response to the request of the International Monetary Fund and to reinforce the continuous surveillance of cross-border fund flows, the CPIS has been changed from an annual task to a bi-annual survey, collecting information on Macao residents' investment in external securities at end-June and end-December of each year, respectively. The results as at 30 June 2013 are summarised as follows: On 30 June 2013, investment of Macao residents (including individuals, the government and other legal entities but excluding Macao's foreign exchange reserves) in securities issued by unrelated non-residents reached a record-high of MOP310.6 billion at current market value, up by 18.4% from a revised value of MOP262.3 billion at end-2012. Among the total portfolio investment abroad of Macao residents, equity securities, long-term debt securities and short-term debt securities were valued at MOP138.6 billion, MOP159.4 billion and MOP12.6 billion respectively. In comparison with end-2012, investment in equity securities, of which mutual funds and investment trust units accounted for MOP21.6 billion, rose by 3.9%. Investment in long-term debt securities and short-term debt securities increased by 35.6% and 11.6% respectively. By geographical distribution, Macao residents' holdings of securities issued by entities in Asia held the largest share of 75.5% in the total external portfolio investment. The rest was placed in Europe (11.2%), Americas (11.0%) and Oceania (1.3%). Mainland China continued to assume the leading position, occupying 41.7% of the total market value of local residents' portfolio investment outside Macao. The rest was mainly invested in Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands, Luxembourg, the United States, the United Kingdom, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda and the Netherlands. Investment in securities issued by entities in Mainland China, including those securities listed on non-Mainland exchanges, amounted to MOP129.6 billion, a marked increase of 39.9% or MOP36.9 billion from end-2012. It consisted of MOP25.0 billion in equity securities, MOP96.7 billion in long-term debt securities and MOP7.9 billion in short-term debt securities, constituting 18.0%, 60.7% and 63.1% of the respective total. The share of investment in securities issued by entities in Hong Kong fell from 32.4% at end-2012 to 30.0%. Nevertheless, the corresponding market value increased by 9.7% to MOP93.3 billion, of which investment in equity and debt securities rose to MOP77.1 billion and MOP16.2 billion respectively. The share of investment in European securities dropped by 3.0 percentage points from end-2012 to 11.2% and the corresponding market value also dropped by 6.9% to MOP34.7 billion. Among the European countries, Luxembourg took the largest share with a total market value of MOP11.2 billion, an increase of 31.1% from end-2012. On the other hand, the market value of Macao residents' portfolio investment in the United Kingdom stood at MOP7.3 billion, a reduction of 11.8% from six months ago. Meanwhile, the market value of portfolio investment in the Netherlands, Germany and France also slid by 20.6%, 17.4% and 15.2% respectively. The share of US securities held by Macao residents edged down from 3.5% at end-2012 to 3.1% but the corresponding market value rose by 4.3% to MOP9.5 billion. The investment in long-term US debt securities rebounded from MOP6.6 billion at end-2012 to MOP7.0 billion, taking up the third largest position in the respective category.
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Consumer Council conducted its 'Supermarket price survey' for November on 27th November for the implementation of Section 2b), Article 10, Law 4/95/M of 12th June. Surveyed locations included 11 supermarkets in Taipa area. The latest 'Supermarket Price Survey' is now available on Consumer Council's website (www.consumer.gov.mo), and the 'Supermarket Price Information Platform' iPhone and Android apps. The survey is also available free of charge at the offices of Consumer Council, IACM's Iao Hon and S. Domingos Markets, bookstores and libraries. Consumers may also access the resources through WAP channels on their mobile phones. With reference to the local six parishes and the number of supermarkets in each parish, the Council has divided around 100 supermarkets into 8 areas for price collection. The Council collects prices from these supermarkets for the provision of a more comprehensive database for consumers to check price discrepancies and make price comparisons according to their desired locations. For inquiry, please call 8988 9315.
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